The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has hailed the growing rehabilitation and development of sports infrastructure across Nigeria, saying the renewed investment signals a new chapter for sports development in the country.
Olopade said the resurgence of sports facilities in different parts of the country reflects increasing commitment by both the federal government and state governments to provide athletes and communities with modern infrastructure.
The NSC boss in a statement issued on Monday, cited recent developments in Kaduna, Bayelsa and Delta States as examples of the momentum building around sports infrastructure development nationwide.
According to him, the transformation taking place at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, which was concessioned to the state government, is particularly impressive.
“A few days ago, I was in Kaduna, and what the Kaduna State government is doing with the Ahmadu Bello Stadium that was concessioned to them is gobsmacking. It’s amazing,” Olopade said.
He also commended the Bayelsa State government under Governor Douye Diri for its investment in sports infrastructure, while noting that Delta State is also contributing to the emerging transformation in the sector.
Olopade said the NSC is complementing state-level initiatives through an extensive programme covering national stadiums, university campuses and neighbourhood sporting facilities.
“At the National Sports Commission, we have given out contracts for facilities on campuses, in neighbourhoods, and, of course, at national stadiums. In the next few weeks, everywhere will be busy,” he stated.
In Ogun State, the NSC director general disclosed that the commission has awarded a contract for the construction of a training pitch at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
He said the project would add to the existing facilities at the complex and provide athletes with improved opportunities for training and development.
Olopade also disclosed that rehabilitation work has commenced at the historic Muda Lawal Stadium, with the aim of transforming the facility into a modern sporting centre.
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The NSC boss stressed that investment in sports infrastructure goes beyond hosting competitions, noting that modern facilities are critical to athlete development, youth engagement, employment creation and economic growth.
He further praised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as strong commitment to the development of sports, saying the federal government support has enabled the NSC to pursue initiatives capable of creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
He expressed optimism that the ongoing projects would reshape Nigeria’s sporting environment by giving athletes access to better facilities while creating more avenues for young Nigerians to participate in sports and pursue careers within the industry.
Olopade said the nationwide infrastructure revival would help reposition sports facilities as catalysts for sporting excellence, youth empowerment, community development and economic opportunities.
